Bringing Money with You

Ideally, you should travel with US $200 - $300 cash or travelers’ checks, including at least $50 in US currency and coins. If you need to exchange money, try to do so at your port of entry. You may have an immediate need for cash (meals, taxis, and telephones) and the Des Moines airport does not have a currency exchange. Please do NOT travel with large amounts of cash. Travelers checks in US dollars are safe, can be easily exchanged for cash at banks, and allow you to make necessary purchases shortly after you arrive. Larger sums of money (for example, to cover tuition or fees) can be carried as bank drafts, or wired to you after you open an account in Des Moines. Even if you expect to do some shopping shortly after you arrive, you should not need more than US $200 - $300 during your first week or so.